---
date: 2019-04-08
modified_at: 2019-04-17
tags: [productivity, programming]
description: Why single tasking with one screen in full-screen mode may be more productive than multi-screen setups for programmers seeking better focus and fewer distractions.
---
# About Single Tasking and Screen/Window Setup on your Mac and Phones

Multitasking is bad for focus and productivity

Single Tasking seems to be the way to go

It is often said that having multiple screens is good for productivity.

However, I think having multiple screens is bad for single tasking. You can only
look at one screen at a time. Having two screens stimulates doing two things at
the same time - it's easier to switch context.

Futhermore, you can choose to use normal window mode with windows you can drag
around, or you can choose to set up full screen mode. In full screen mode, you
can't use the bottom program bar, and you don't see the menu bar, unless you go
there with your mouse.

This is good for focus. Things in the top and bottom bar can only distract you.

But is having two screens really that much more productive than having one
screen? Having open a chrome browser with multiple tabs in the second screen
will often distract you from programming. One glance at the slack-tab and you'll
notice you have some unread messages: you're distracted.

I think that, for a programmer, it may very well be more productive to just have
one screen.

Besides screen setup, you also have your mobile phone. Of course, you may need
to be available for calls, but most other things aren't necessary. I think for
most people, a dumbphone will work. When you use a dumbphone and put your
smartphone away, you will be distracted way less. If you are an app developer
like me, it's wise to use a different smartphone to test your app on.